Clackamas, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a free youth fishing event at Trojan Pond near Rainier on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 “This is a great experience for kids who are first-time anglers.  We bring all of the equipment and are there to answer questions and teach kids how to fish,” says Danette Ehlers, ODFW assistant district fish biologist.  “We want kids to experience the joy of fishing and spending the day outdoors in hopes they will discover a lifelong interest.”

The event is part of ODFW’s Youth Angling Enhancement Program, designed to introduce young people to the fun of fishing.  The department will provide rods, reels, tackle, bait and fish bags for use by young anglers who do not have their own fishing equipment. There will be packets of fishing information available, and prizes donated by ODFW and “Fishing with Bear,” a private education and guide service.

In addition, ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand from to help participants learn how to bait a hook, cast a rod and land the catch. 

In order to increase the fun factor, ODFW will stock 2,850 legal-sized and 25 larger-sized rainbow trout for the event.  In addition, approximately 100 six-pound fish will be purchased from Island Springs Hatchery.

Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers aged 13 and under do not require a license, while those 14-17 require a juvenile license.  All fishing regulations continue to apply for this event. 

Trojan Pond is a 15-acre lake located on the north side of Highway 30 in Prescott, approximately 5 miles southeast of Rainier.  The park is located near the old Trojan Nuclear Facility, just north of Mile Post 42.

The Youth Angling Enhancement Program was made possible through the Oregon Legislature and a partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation.  For information about the event at Trojan Pond, call Danette Ehlers, assistant district fish biologist, at (971) 673-6013.  For a list of other YAEP events throughout the state go to www.dfw.state.or.us.

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